Gallions Place

The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray System has played an essential role in the construction of a new mixed-use development in East London, by exceeding building regulations and increasing installation efficiency on-site.

Designed by PRP Architects and developed by Countryside Partnerships, Gallions Place is a new mixed-use development in Newham. Located conveniently near Gallions Reach DLR station, Gallions Place offers 241 new homes. Of these, 47 homes are available for affordable rent, 48 for shared ownership, and 146 for open market sale. Additionally, the site includes amenities such as a public square, recreation areas, and shops and cafes.

On this project, Keyfix supplied 3,801 metres of its Non-combustible Cavity Tray (NCCT), 953 metres of its Non-combustible Cavity Tray Lintels, 4,055 preformed Corner Units, and 18,674 Non-combustible Weeps.

The client’s main ambition was to futureproof the building in accordance with updated building regulations. The introduction of Buildings Regulations Document B (Fire Safety) 2019, stipulates that “materials achieving limited combustibility cannot be deemed to meet the requirement using an alternative classification method.”

In order to meet new regulations, Countryside Partnerships required a third party rated solution with limited combustibility made bespoke for its building.

Likewise, the client wanted to futureproof the building to ensure its compliance, should the intended use of the building ever change.

The Keyfix NCCT exceeds the minimum regulations stipulated by Approved Document B, holding an A1 Fire Rating, and a lifespan of 125+ years, making it an excellent solution for the client’s needs.

The stainless steel NCCT is made to the highest standard, ensuring that the building will be compliant if regulations become stricter in the future.

The biggest challenge the client faced on this project was that the majority of corner units were not specified to the standard 90-degree angle. To accommodate this nonstandard angle, Keyfix worked together with the onsite team and architects’ drawings to standardise the technically bespoke angle to meet specification requirements. In addition to this, the preformed corner units greatly helped to speed up install time which was a benefit to the brickwork contractor working, Ferguson Construction, on the tight-build programme.

Moreover, Countryside Partnerships were impressed with the NCCT as it is a self-supporting system which doesn’t need fixing back to the internal frame; easily clipping together for swift, simple installation, requiring no supplementary fixings, sealants or onsite fabrication from the contractor. Also, the Keyfix NCCT does not require the use of mastics or tapes. This all substantially saves time on projects, when compared to traditional DPC.

In addition to the technical review of architect’s drawings, Keyfix provided full technical support to the team.

To prepare the onsite team to use the NCCT, Keyfix provided a comprehensive component schedule and layout plan. Keyfix attended design team meetings and followed up by calling to site to ensure the process was going to plan. Keyfix also presented a Toolbox Talk and a Continual Professional Development (CPD) webinar to provide additional education to the on-site team.

Therefore on this development, the client benefitted from Keyfix’s high-quality service and product.

In addition to being an easy-to-install ‘fix and forget’ product, the Keyfix NCCT is unique from other non-combustible cavity tray systems on the market as it forms watertight joints without the use of tapes and mastics. Tapes and mastics are a prevalent cause of product failure, making the Keyfix NCCT a more reliable product.

The Keyfix NCCT incorporates patented mechanically-fixed Stop Ends to ensure water is trapped and channelled outwards at each tray.

A final advantage to the client was the design collaboration between Keyfix and sister company IG Masonry Support. IG Masonry Support designed and supplied its B.O.S.S. A1 (A1 fire-rated Brick on Soffit System), Masonry Support, and brick cutting services to the project. Both companies have supported the delivery of this development to the highest standards of construction efficiency, building safety, and aesthetic design.

The Gallions Place development is now complete, with the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray ensuring that the building will protect its occupants against fire, well into the future.

Commenting, Kieran Coyle of Keyfix stated, “Protecting buildings against fire is vital, but we should also consider the long-term implications of the products we use in our buildings. The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray is designed to futureproof the building and will last for over 125 years, ensuring that the building will remain compliant if regulations become stricter.”

For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the product guide, visit https://keyfix.com/or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com